Wales took the bonus-point win over Japan, but Steve Tandy wants a far sharper side when New Zealand come calling.
Steve Tandy has told his Wales squad there is nowhere to hide after a 28-21 Nations Championship win over Japan that was far more nervy than it should have been. The head coach admitted the performance fell short, with his side flat in spells and allowing the visitors to stay in the contest.
The result still brought a bonus point. Josh Adams scored twice, and Archie Griffin and Louis Rees-Zammit also crossed the whitewash. Wales had the attacking quality to build a lead, but they could not put Japan away.
The closing minutes were tense. Japan pushed hard for the score that would have levelled the match and earned a famous draw, and Wales had to scramble in a desperate rearguard to hold on. It was a goal-line stand that secured the points, but one the hosts would have preferred not to need.
Tandy's message is clear: the margin for error disappears against the very best. With a Test against New Zealand next, Wales must be more clinical and more consistent, and keep their intensity for the full 80 minutes.
